2 answers
Taron
Student
3
Questions
Asked
317 views
If I'm interested in being an accountant or a career in the finance field what types of job experiences or skills are employees looking for on a resume?
I'm in 11th grade
Login to comment
2 answers
Justin Shapiro
Accounting | Finance | Financial Systems | Non-Profit Volunteer
74
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Hi Taron,
Here’s a breakdown of what to highlight for a career in accounting or finance, tailored to your current level as an 11th grader:
Key Skills and Experiences for Accounting/Finance:
Math and Analytical Skills: Show your comfort with numbers and problem-solving. Highlight strong math grades or participation in math-related activities or clubs.
Attention to Detail and Accuracy: These are critical in accounting and finance. Mention any experience where precision mattered, like school projects, science experiments, or data collection activities.
Computer Skills and Financial Software Knowledge: Familiarity with spreadsheet software like Excel or Google Sheets is a great start. Consider learning basics in financial software (like QuickBooks) to stand out.
Internships or Part-Time Work in a Financial Setting: Look for opportunities at local banks, finance departments in companies, or bookkeeping roles. Even a job shadowing experience could be valuable.
Teamwork and Communication Skills: Finance involves collaborating and presenting data, so any role that involved teamwork or explaining information clearly will look good.
Business or Economics Coursework or Clubs: Classes in business, economics, or personal finance, or clubs like DECA or FBLA, can show your active interest in the field.
Attention to Deadlines and Organizational Skills: Accounting requires keeping track of deadlines and organizing large volumes of information. Mention any experience managing tasks or meeting deadlines, like school assignments or extracurricular commitments.
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking: Employers value the ability to solve financial challenges creatively. Mention any problem-solving activities, like math competitions or other academic challenges.
As a high school student, including volunteer work related to financial literacy or tutoring in math, or any work experience where you handled money or records (like a retail job) can also add relevant skills. Employers in finance look for organized, analytical thinkers with solid math skills and attention to detail.
Best of luck!
Here’s a breakdown of what to highlight for a career in accounting or finance, tailored to your current level as an 11th grader:
Key Skills and Experiences for Accounting/Finance:
Math and Analytical Skills: Show your comfort with numbers and problem-solving. Highlight strong math grades or participation in math-related activities or clubs.
Attention to Detail and Accuracy: These are critical in accounting and finance. Mention any experience where precision mattered, like school projects, science experiments, or data collection activities.
Computer Skills and Financial Software Knowledge: Familiarity with spreadsheet software like Excel or Google Sheets is a great start. Consider learning basics in financial software (like QuickBooks) to stand out.
Internships or Part-Time Work in a Financial Setting: Look for opportunities at local banks, finance departments in companies, or bookkeeping roles. Even a job shadowing experience could be valuable.
Teamwork and Communication Skills: Finance involves collaborating and presenting data, so any role that involved teamwork or explaining information clearly will look good.
Business or Economics Coursework or Clubs: Classes in business, economics, or personal finance, or clubs like DECA or FBLA, can show your active interest in the field.
Attention to Deadlines and Organizational Skills: Accounting requires keeping track of deadlines and organizing large volumes of information. Mention any experience managing tasks or meeting deadlines, like school assignments or extracurricular commitments.
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking: Employers value the ability to solve financial challenges creatively. Mention any problem-solving activities, like math competitions or other academic challenges.
As a high school student, including volunteer work related to financial literacy or tutoring in math, or any work experience where you handled money or records (like a retail job) can also add relevant skills. Employers in finance look for organized, analytical thinkers with solid math skills and attention to detail.
Best of luck!
Vlad Elizarov
Business Analyst
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Vlad’s Answer
Hi Taron, I recommend you express quantitative skills and interests. I also recommend you look into a college/university with an undergraduate accounting major. I would then look for internships that get you either accounting or finance experience. One of my first internships was helping in the Accounts Payable and Receivable departments of a wholesale company. This gave me exposure to the financial statements and also account reconciliation. I was then able to lead this into a role in commercial banking that further engrained my knowledge of the financial statements, allowed me to practice using the company financials to "tell a story" of performance and manage risk, and exposed me to financial modeling. Being able to build a story from the numbers to drive safe and sound decisions will be key to a successful career in accounting or finance. These are just examples of different paths that will give you a strong foundation.
I also highly recommend taking the FINRA SIE (Series Industry Essentials) exam when you turn 18. This will give you a strong background of the financial markets (i.e., economic concepts, products and risk, regulation, etc.) and act as an external certification you can show employers. Licensing is often needed in the industry and the SIE early on will prove to employers your interest in breaking into the industry and your willingness to complete whatever licensing is necessary. Good luck!
I also highly recommend taking the FINRA SIE (Series Industry Essentials) exam when you turn 18. This will give you a strong background of the financial markets (i.e., economic concepts, products and risk, regulation, etc.) and act as an external certification you can show employers. Licensing is often needed in the industry and the SIE early on will prove to employers your interest in breaking into the industry and your willingness to complete whatever licensing is necessary. Good luck!